Dear friends,
We’re delighted to invite you to the Banff Pastor & Spouse Retreat, taking place January 23–25, 2026 in the beautiful mountain setting of Banff, Alberta.
This annual retreat is designed to provide EMCC pastors and their spouses with a space of rest, renewal, and soul care. It’s a time to pause, breathe deeply, and be refreshed in the presence of God and the company of others who share the joys and challenges of ministry life.
This year, our theme focuses on the relationships that are most critical to us as we serve in ministry—relationships that sustain us, shape us, and help us walk faithfully in the calling God has given. Together, we’ll reflect on how these relationships with God, with our loved ones, and with one another can be strengthened and renewed.
Location & Accommodations
The retreat will once again be held at the Rundlestone Lodge. However, there is an important change this year:
Accommodations are not included in the registration fee.
This change gives you the freedom to select accommodations that best fit your needs and budget—whether that’s staying at the Rundlestone or exploring other options nearby.
If you wish to stay at the Rundlestone Lodge, rooms can be reserved directly at: Rundlestone Lodge Booking Page
If you’d prefer to explore other options, discounts are available through Banff Lodging Co.: Banff Lodging Co. Discount Flyer
You might also wish to consider other affordable accommodations through airbnb.com or vrbo.com.
Meals
We’re pleased to share that two continental breakfasts are a new addition this year, and are included in your registration cost!
Breakfast will be served on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and will include gluten-free and dairy-free options.
If you have additional dietary concerns, please reply to this email or note them when registering, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
A Saturday evening Pizza Party, generously sponsored by the EMCC, will also be included.
Our Guest Speaker
Our speaker this year is a native Calgarian and lifetime Anglican, Paul Orritt. Paul has served the Lord in ordained ministry for over 50 years in diverse situations. His first pastoral call took him to the south coast of Newfoundland for five years in an outport Parish of three communities accessible only by boat. He next served as a university chaplain in St, John’s, Nfld. for three years before returning to southern Alberta as an Assistant Priest in Lethbridge for five years. Next, he served in Okotoks, AB for nineteen years, then moving to Washington State for twelve years before formal retirement. Today, he continues to serve two Parishes in Calgary as an Honorary Assistant. Paul has seven children and seven grand-children. He has been widowed twice.
Paul loves the Lord and the opportunity to meet with Him through times of prayer; he loves the Church, though not without some frustration; and, he is an ardent fan of the Seattle Seahawks.
Registration
To register for the retreat, please click the link below:
Register for the Banff Retreat
If you prefer to pay by cheque, please mail it to:
FCCO, PO BOX 1277, Okotoks, AB T1S 1B3
Registration deadline: December 31, 2025
A Few Action Items
To help with planning and availability, here are two simple next steps:
Register by December 31, 2025 using the link above.
Book your accommodations as soon as possible—January is a busy time in Banff, and early booking ensures the best options and rates.
If you have any questions regarding the retreat, please reach out to emccbanffretreat@gmail.com
We’re truly looking forward to this time of rest, renewal, and reconnection—with God, with one another, and with the call He has placed on our lives.
Grace and peace,
The Banff Retreat Planning Team
Please note: The Banff Pastor and Spouse Retreat is not organized or hosted by the EMCC National Team.